Your First Year with Bees — the FIELDWORK Cohort

A season of learning, a community of beekeepers, and a little help figuring out what your bees are up to.

Starting your first year of beekeeping? You don't have to figure it all out on your own.

FIELDWORK is a season-long beekeeping education and mentorship program designed for new beekeepers who want practical guidance, a deeper understanding of honey bees, and a supportive community to learn alongside.

From preparing for your first colonies in late winter to getting your bees ready for their first winter, we'll follow the rhythm of the beekeeping season together.

What’s included

• An in-person kickoff in February 2027: Meet your fellow beekeepers, get oriented, and prepare for the season ahead.

• 10 live virtual learning sessions: Weekday evening sessions throughout the program, focused on what's happening in your colonies and what you should be thinking about next.

• Seasonal beekeeping education: Practical instruction on colony management, honey bee biology, equipment, inspections, swarm prevention, nutrition, pests and diseases, honey production, and winter preparation.

• Ongoing community support: A place to ask questions, share observations, celebrate successes, and troubleshoot the occasional beekeeping mystery.

• A full season of learning: Guidance that follows your bees through their first year, rather than trying to squeeze everything into one weekend.

Program details

• Dates: February–November 2027

• Format: One in-person February kickoff plus 10 live virtual weekday evening sessions

• Kickoff location: Columbia or Greene County, NY — details to be confirmed

• Tuition: $500 per person

• Enrollment: Limited to 20 participants

• Experience level: Beginners and first-year beekeepers

A little extra help when you need it

Sometimes you just need another beekeeper standing beside you.

FIELDWORK participants can also book optional private apiary visits in Columbia and Greene counties, NY, starting at $150 for a two-hour visit. These visits are not included in the cohort tuition.

Already taken Beekeeping 101?

If you attend our January 2027 Beekeeping 101 workshop and decide to join FIELDWORK before the February kickoff, we'll apply your $50 workshop fee toward your $500 cohort tuition, subject to available seats.

A few things to know

FIELDWORK is an educational program. Bees, hives, equipment, and private apiary visits are not included in the tuition. Participants are responsible for obtaining and caring for their own bees and equipment if they choose to keep colonies.

You don't need to have bees already to join. Curiosity, a willingness to learn, and an appreciation for the fact that bees don't always read the same books we do are plenty to get started.

Learn the bees. Follow the seasons. Find your people.